Annotated Bibliography of Resources for Educational Reform, Coherent Teaching Practice, and Improved Student Learning

You are viewing a resource record entry from SEDL's Annotated Bibliography Database.

• Ravitch, D. (1995). National standards in American education: A citizen's guide. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution.

This book provides a good overview of the movement to establish national standards and assessments. As she develops her argument for educating students to high standards, Ravitch describes the history of the movement and the rationale behind it. She reviews evidence about student achievement in the United States by examining a variety of measures. She considers the purposes of schooling, the influence of cognitive science and technology on views of education, and the work by groups to reform the way their subject matter is taught. She presents both sides of the debate about national standards, while still making her own position clear. Ravitch concludes with recommendations regarding the role of states in setting standards, the role of universities and businesses in promoting them, and the role of assessments in maintaining standards.

Return to: Annotated Bibliography Search Page